Car = Personality?

Philippines
April 18, 2012 5:44pm CST
I went to with my big bro last day to a birthday party. And we have a talk on our way their. He asked me, when are you going to buy something to park in your garage? I didn't think earlier of having a car, or any vehicle yet. Not yet time. But he insisted that I answer the question, so I said "Well, cars are not a really good investment. The moment you drove them out of the display area. It depreciates." But he said, "C'mon, don't just say it's a bad or dead investment. Don't think that way. You have to improve your lifestyle, otherwise, you don't have to work. Just stay where you are. Don't strive because you don't have plans of getting yourself something to improve your personality or lifestyle." I answered, "well, it's not that I don't have plans to get myself a car, I just think, it's not yet time to have one. I will be supporting our younger sis, and hey, i've got a tuition fee of my own, that I also have to pay. So it's just not the right time. Besides, I wont be able to use it here. I will be in the city in the next couple of days, and will stay there for months or years. BUT, when I get to pass the BAR EXAM, I would certainly buy a CAR!" And conversation is over. I just don't think that CAR would add anything to my personality. I want people to know me not because of what I have, but for what I am.
1 person likes this
6 responses
@jureathome (5361)
• Philippines
19 Apr 12
Getting a car is not the only motivation you can have to keep on working. Especially if you don't see any need for one, then its just an unnecessary expense. There are other things you can invest on, like a business, condo unit, or what have you. Its best if you invest on something that you're interested in.
1 person likes this
• Philippines
19 Apr 12
True! I did invest in somewhere else. I just don't tell my big bro about it. Sort of a secret of mine. So he was thinking that I didn't have anything that people could see to be somewhat an indicator of my improved status or lifestyle or personality.
• Philippines
19 Apr 12
Yeah, at times it becomes annoying. But true, they only mean well for us. hmmm, anyway, sometimes we also have to speak up. And be heard. And if they wont listen, I guess we should risk standing for our decision, if they listen, then good. Let's hope for the best.
• Philippines
19 Apr 12
I just remembered, my husband's father once pushed him to buy a sports car because he got so successful with his career and it would be a good way to reward himself. But my husband never took his suggestion. What would he need a sportscar for, when he's already married with a kid. Sometimes, people would force their frustrations on others. Perhaps, they only mean well, but they don't realize its annoying.
1 person likes this
@peavey (16936)
• United States
18 Apr 12
I think you're right. Just because it's the commonly expected thing to do doesn't make it right for everyone. If you have no use for a car, why get one? As a status symbol, they're a poor investment, as you've said!
1 person likes this
• Philippines
18 Apr 12
So true, I've once been in the come-on-I-can-show-more stage. But I stopped, I mean if I keep living to some other people's expectation, or even to my family's expectation, I wouldn't have a chance to make a decision that I truly believe is the best for me. So that's the first time, I actually talked that way to my big bro. I hope he'd realize and get my point.
@peavey (16936)
• United States
18 Apr 12
Well said! Stick to it. It's your decision.
1 person likes this
• Philippines
19 Apr 12
Yeah! thanks for the support!
@lakantar (1573)
• Greece
19 Apr 12
I don't think it should but unfortunately cars and property in general is used sometimes as ways of being impressive. Since you don't seem to need it that way then you shouldn't listen to him and just use your money in a more productive way :)
1 person likes this
• Philippines
19 Apr 12
yeah dude! Thanks for the support!
1 person likes this
@maezee (41988)
• United States
18 Apr 12
I don't think a car sums up a person. I think that a car can REFLECT one's personality, sort of, just in the appearance, upkeep, bumper stickers, etc. But I don't think having a new car is incredibly important, I think it's more for looks than anything else (used and older cars are perfectly fine and a lot more economical anyway). I have a few funny bumper stickers on my car, which is the extent of it reflecting my personality. lol.
1 person likes this
• Philippines
18 Apr 12
True! So I stick with my decision. Not to have one as of the moment. I sure would get one if I do feel the need to have one. Without a car, I can get anywhere I want even if it's traffic.lol perhaps, it may, in some way, add a lil more to my personality, but it's not the entirety of me.
• United States
18 Apr 12
I think if you do not really have a dire need for a car and are able to work and live a productive life without one - save the money! It's a huge expense. I really wish I lived somewhere that I did not need one. I hate all the regulations that come with it here. here I have to make the car payment and pay for insurance every single month. Then each year I have to pay extra taxes and tag the thing... if I lived in a large city I think I would opt to not have one!
• Philippines
18 Apr 12
Yeah, that's what I'm thinking, well I don't have plans to buy a car, but I want to buy a house in the CITY. Not here in the island. lol I am not planning to live here for next 20-30 years so that's my plan. Not car, a house would be great for me. Instead of paying my monthly rent, why not buy one, through financing, and pay monthly amortization instead. I am more on what I need, NOT what I can show off.
• Mexico
19 Apr 12
Hi chuyins: I am in the same situation as you. I'm 24 and I don't even know how to drive a car. At this moment of my life I don't find it important no matter what people think about the status you have for having a car. Cars are contaminant so I'm helping the planet with my choice actually. I don't need it these days. Maybe in the future but if it's not a priority. People think a car gives you status because you are showing the others that you have money and that you are an independent person but again, do you really need to demonstrate these things? ALVARO
1 person likes this
• Philippines
19 Apr 12
Aight! We don't have to show off. Real rich people knows how to maintain their lifestyle. And I don't care much about what people say with my status. That's just their opinion. at the end of the day, I am the one who knows, how much I got in my bank account, how much I got for my investments. So I wouldn't worry much. This just so uplifting that I have people here who thinks the same way as I do.